Statisticians and data scientists use creative approaches to solve problems in the
physical and natural sciences, medicine and healthcare, social science, politics,
business and economics, government, sports, technology and many more fields.
You can explore your interests and start solving real-world problems through applied
statistics. You can also contribute to the field through research to develop new methods
and tools to work with data and explore the mathematical foundations of statistics.
Our program offers multiple options for students earning degrees in statistics. Take
our general major or add a concentration to prepare for a career as an actuary. Statistics
also makes an ideal double major or minor for students in fields such as health sciences,
business, political science and more. We also offer two advanced degrees.
Our department is always sharing ideas. Whether it’s through student clubs and organization
or from the guest speakers we invite to present on campus, you have options to explore
your interests in statistics. We encourage students at all levels to gain hands-on
experiences through research.
Our department is always sharing ideas. Whether it’s through student clubs and organization
or from the guest speakers we invite to present on campus, you have options to explore
your interests in statistics. We encourage students at all levels to gain hands-on
experiences through research.
Get experience in data science
The fields of data science and big data analytics are heating up as companies realize
the importance of learning from large data sets. You can benefit from our partnership
with USC’s Department of Computer Science to study data science as a second major
or a minor.
A double major in statistics and data science is ideal for students who wish to prepare
for graduate study or employment in data science and have great interest in the statistical
theory behind the field.
Classes like Applied Multivariate Statistics and Data Mining or Big Data Analytics provide you with the skills you need to start as a data scientist. Learn more .
Employment Opportunities – University of South Carolina
The Department of Statistics invites applications for four full-time faculty positions:
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Positions As part of the University President’s AI Initiative, we are hiring two tenure-track
faculty beginning August 16, 2026. Areas include data science, visual arts, psychological
neuroscience, and computational linguistics.
Professional-Track Instructor Positions We are also hiring two full-time instructors to begin in 2026.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to review the full job postings and apply.
Download full descriptions for these positions [pdf]
Department of Statistics News
Welcome new faculty and students
The Department of Statistics is pleased to welcome Drs. William Consagra, Yuexuan Wu, and Shanghong Xie as new faculty members.
USC’s Edsel Peña, incoming statistics department chair, elected IMS Fellow
Edsel Peña has reached a high point in his nearly 40-year career. The professor in USC's Department of Statistics has been named a fellow of the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (IMS), one of the biggest honors for a statistician. In addition, Peña has received an award from the Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering.
USC class goes beyond the books to study stats history
History of Probability and Statistics offered students from the Honors College and the College of Arts and Sciences an overview of the people and experiments that led to the development of the field of statistics, from the early pioneers of the 17th century to the innovators of the modern era.
What's New